[JP_79Formula]

First, I'm wondering why its called 'reveal' molding?
Seems to me the purpose is to hide the joint between the glass
and the metal...

Anyway, i'm replacing the windshield and rear window molding
(reinstalling the original) and wondering if there is supposed to
be some sort of adhesive applied?

It looked like there was some in places, but not in others.

And, some of the moldings have a thin plastic shim on the inside,
while others do not. What's the purpose of this plastic, and is supposed
be present on all pieces?

Thanks!

[Grand73Am]

No adhesive is used. Only the clips hold it on. What you thought was adhesive was probably the glass installation adhesive that squeezes out from around the glass when it's installed.

The plastic strips...I can only theorize that they were for preventing rattling or scuffing of the trim against the glass. I think it was only used on the back glass, but don't know for sure. They aren't a necessity. I was thinking that if I were going to replace it, I'd use some glass setting "tape". It's material that's used to put side glass and chrome frames together on older cars, so it should work well for this purpose.

[bigborehunter]

If you're talking about the plastic lips on the corner of the windshield beneath the front fender line, they're used to direct rainwater over the cowl side and down the body. Every bodyshop I know removes these when stripping a TA and "loses" them. I saw one bodyman with a Snap On drawer full of TA goodies he'd swiped over the years.

[JP_79Formula]

No, not the rain diverters, which i do have.

The rear window moldings have a 'shim' of plastic on the inside
of the molding that perfectly fits and spans the molding, while the
windshield does not. However, the glass was replaced on this car,
so no telling if it's supposed to be on the windshield as well.

I wonder if RE parts come with this shim.